An Interview With Savio Clemente
Knowledge — Always keep learning, practicing, and improving your craft. A high level of execution is important to distinguish yourself.
I had the distinct pleasure of interviewing Martin Sky. Martin is a distinguished art manager, partner at Studio 46 Barcelona, and a consultant for SmartStamp, a Zurich-based ArtTech company pioneering digital authentication in the art world. With over 20 years of experience in business development, he curates high-impact contemporary art exhibitions in Barcelona, Monaco, and Miami Beach, seamlessly blending art, strategic networking, and cultural innovation.
Committed to redefining the role of galleries, Martin transforms them into collaborative hubs where artists and visionaries connect, exchange ideas, and inspire cultural change — a vision already taking shape at Studio 46.
Thank you so much for joining us in this interview series! Can you tell us the story of how you grew up?
I grew up with the historic Old City of Jerusalem as my playground, with visits to my family in Rosario, Argentina, by the Paraná River, and my teenage years in the romantic city of Paris. My travels have also taken me to the Americas, Europe, the Far East, and West Africa, where I experienced the world through the lens of art in various forms. To me, art is more than just aesthetics — it’s a map of cultural heritage, a language that transcends borders, and a true reflection of human history.
Can you share a story with us about what brought you to this specific career path?
My journey into the art world began with a small project called Pole Pole Organic Art, where I showcased selected works from artists I met during my visits to Zanzibar and Medellin, Colombia and Barcelona. This was followed by an NFT exhibition at Soho House Barcelona and my collaboration with the Misonny Art Festival. The real turning point, however, came when I met the promising young artist Juliana Plexxo. Together, we exhibited worldwide, from Monaco to Miami, which eventually led me to Studio 46, where I began developing our unique concept of an atelier and private gallery that offers collectors unique experiences.
None of us are able to achieve success without some help along the way. Is there a particular person you are grateful to for helping you get to where you are? Can you share a story about that?
Besides the support of my family, I owe a great deal to Juliana Plexxo and Virgili Barbarà, the maestro of Studio 46 and my artist mentor. Their support and belief in my vision were instrumental in shaping my career in the art sphere.
You’ve had many fascinating experiences. Can you tell us the most interesting story that happened to you since you began your career?
One of the most electrifying moments was Juliana Plexxo’s spontaneous live art performance at The National Hotel in Miami Beach during December 2023 Miami Art Week. With no prior planning, we set up a canvas right in front of the DJ, and in front of hundreds of people, she created an extraordinary piece, painting with her hands in sync with the music. The crowd’s reaction was a perfect reminder of the magic that happens when creativity flows freely.
It has been said that our mistakes can be our greatest teachers. Can you share a story about a mistake you made when you were first starting and tell us what lesson you learned from it?
I once collaborated with the 37th America’s Cup VIP host in Barcelona. It involved a lot of logistical effort, and while we had an incredible VIP view of the sailing event, it didn’t yield the expected results. I learned that art needs to be shown where people come to experience it — not where the focus is on another event that can overshadow the exhibition.
What are some of the most exciting projects you’re currently working on?
Currently, I’m working with SmartStamp, an ArtTech company based in Zurich, Switzerland, on an innovative app that uses patented computer vision (CV) and AI to create a unique ‘fingerprint’ for authenticating artworks. This technology ensures security, transparency, and trust in the art world by establishing a universal standard for art certificates, simplifying the journey of an artwork, and creating a common language between artists, collectors, and institutions.
You’ve achieved success in a career path that can be challenging. Do you have any words of advice for others who may want to embark on this career path but feel daunted by rejection, lack of support, or failure?
If you want to succeed, don’t wait for compliments — believe in yourself. My formula for success is discipline, knowledge, and attitude. Remember, persistence is key — never give up.
What tips would you recommend to your colleagues in the art industry to help them thrive and not burn out?
Perspective is everything. Take things as they come, allow time for reflection, embrace both failures and successes, and always keep moving forward.
What are your “5 Things You Need To Create A Highly Successful Career in the Art World, and why?
- Visionary Storytelling — Audiences connect with genuine artistic expression. Artists who stay true to their voice create a lasting impact. It’s all about the storytelling.
- Knowledge — Always keep learning, practicing, and improving your craft. A high level of execution is important to distinguish yourself.
- Quality — You need both talent and high-quality materials to effectively express and share your vision.
- Strategic Networking — Relationships open doors. Building connections with the right people in the industry accelerates growth. Always show up.
- Business Acumen — Understanding the financial and strategic aspects of art is essential for sustaining a long-term career.
Are there any artists who have particularly inspired you in your career?
Yes, many artists have influenced my perspective and approach. I deeply admire Dadara, whose work challenges societal norms; Federico Kampf, a master of contemporary Mexican mural expression; and JJ Walker, a surrealist genius. Multidisciplinary artist Umit Sural and Om Barbarà, a third-generation artist whose work is deeply rooted in his philosophy on the connection between body and soul, have also been significant influences. Additionally, Juliana Plexxo has inspired me profoundly as well, blending classical techniques with an original vision that empowers Latin American narratives and heritage.
You are a person of enormous influence. If you could inspire a movement that would bring the most good to the most people, what would that be?
I would love to inspire a movement that redefines the role of art galleries — not just as marketplaces where money and power intersect with creativity, but as true hubs where artists and visionaries come together to create, exchange ideas, and inspire one another. At Studio 46, we are already building this model, transforming the gallery from a transactional space into a platform for dialogue, innovation, and cultural exchange.
Artists should not be politicians — especially without a solid socioeconomic background — but they are something greater. Through their work, they have the power to inspire change on a deeper level, bridging people and cultures, shifting perspectives, and creating connections that politics often fails to achieve. Art moves people emotionally, intellectually, and spiritually, and that is where true transformation begins.
Can you share your favorite “Life Lesson Quote”? How has it been relevant to you?
“I’m still learning” — Francisco de Goya, said at 88 years old. This quote is also used as the motto of Studio 46 Barcelona by our founder, Joan Barbarà. In my own words, perfection is an ongoing process. Since my first day in art, I’ve always had an article, a course, a book, or a colleague to inspire and teach me.
We are blessed to have prominent names in Business, VC funding, Sports, and Entertainment read this column. Is there a person in the world, or in the US, with whom you would love to have a private breakfast or lunch, and why?
From a business perspective, I would be glad to meet with a visionary VC or investor interested in the impact of SmartStamp innovations, as it has the potential to revolutionize the way we authenticate, showcase, and share art. On the artistic side, I would love to have a conversation with a passionate collector who values storytelling and innovation in art — someone with whom I could share my ideas and gain inspiration.
How can our readers continue to follow your work online?
You can follow my latest projects and updates on:
• Instagram: @martinnsky
• LinkedIn:
• Studio 46 Barcelona Website:
This was very meaningful, thank you so much! We wish you continued success!
Martin Sky Of Studio 46 On 5 Things You Need To Create A Highly Successful Career in the Art World was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.